The H₂Zero Research Unit at Frederick University has unveiled a comprehensive analysis of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) electricity interconnection, demonstrating how a transformative 5GW HVDC transmission network can accelerate European decarbonization and enable large-scale green hydrogen production from imported renewable energy.

This pioneering study employs sophisticated mathematical optimization modeling to simulate a 3,730km electricity superhighway connecting renewable energy assets in India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia through strategic gateway nations Israel, Cyprus, and Greece into the European internal electricity market.

The simulation highlights substantial potential to reshape Europe’s energy security and sustainability. It demonstrates that the IMEC corridor is both technically feasible and economically viable and shows how coordinated investments in transmission can deliver transformational change for energy markets while establishing new frameworks for international renewable energy cooperation.

The simulation reveals that the IMEC corridor can deliver 100% renewable electricity at highly competitive prices, generating 19.9 TWh annually with 13.4 TWh flowing directly to EU markets at an average cost of just 44 US$/MWh. By providing abundant, affordable renewable power, the corridor supports green hydrogen production within EU, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

With a total of 10 GW of solar and wind capacity distributed across India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and minimal transmission losses (only 3.8 TWh annually), the IMEC network establishes Israel, Cyprus, and Greece as critical energy gateways. This enhances market integration, grid flexibility, and resilience. Hourly optimization across the 8,760 hours of the year captures seasonal and daily variability, ensuring reliable power delivery throughout all periods. Multi-directional energy flows deliver robustness for grid stability, while geographic diversity further improves European energy resilience.

Comprehensive economic analysis reveals transformational opportunities valued at US$31 billion in total economic impact. Infrastructure investment requirements are estimated between US$15 and US$25 billion for the 3,730 km HVDC system, including submarine cables, converter stations, and supporting infrastructure across seven countries. The IMEC interconnection is projected to create over 13,000 construction jobs and 3,600 permanent roles across participating countries, while generating US$1.2 billion in annual transit fees and export revenues. Competitive renewable pricing supports a reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports and contributes to the EU’s interconnection and decarbonization goals.
Based on these findings, the study recommends the accelerated development of electricity interconnections between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece as gateways to the EU, supported by robust regulatory frameworks for cross-border trade. The analysis underscores the need for coordinated investment, market integration, and international cooperation to overcome geopolitical and technical challenges.

Professor Andreas Poullikkas, head of the H2Zero Research Unit at Frederick University, comments: «The IMEC corridor represents more than an engineering achievement. It marks a geopolitical transformation putting Cyprus at the heart of the global energy transition. Our modeling confirms that strategic positioning as an EU energy gateway creates unprecedented opportunities for regional cooperation and advances European energy independence. This corridor provides Europe a path to energy security through 100% renewable generation, competitive pricing, and enhanced grid resilience.»